Lady&#39;s hearing aid hat construction



Feb.- 5, 1952 A. MAFFRIS LADYS HEARING/AID HAT CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheets-Sheet l Fild Jan. 19, 1949 lllllllllll n l l I l I I l Feb. 5, 1952 I A. MAFFRIS 2,534,896

LADYS HEARING AJED HAT CONSTRUCTION Filed Jan. 19. 1949 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 a 73 Bay a Feb. 5, 1952 MAFFR|3 2,584,896

LADYS HEARING AID HAT CONSTRUCTION Filed Jan. 19, 1949 3 Sheqts-Sheet 3 Q lmwa Patented Feb. 5, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LADYS HEARING AID HAT CONSTRUCTION Annabelle Maflris, Chicago, Ill.

Application January 19, 1949, Serial No. 71,730

12 Claims.

This invention relates generally to ladies hats and more particularly concerns the construction of ladies hats adapted to have hearing aids associated therewith.

Women who are hard of hearing are beset with the difiiculty of wishing to conceal their hearing aid while at the same time using same to the greatest advantage and at the highest efficiency. The modern hearing aid, even though it comprises apparatus considerably more efiicient and smaller in size than the trumpets and hearing instruments utilized just a few years ago is nevertheless of a size not readily concealable. The device in most instances comprises a highly compact battery-operated microphone and amplifier. the output of which is fed to a speaker which is placed in the patients ear or is engaged against the bony structure of the skull in the vicinity of the aural cavity. The amplifier, microphone and batteries are carried in a housing which is approximately eight cubic inches in volume more or less, and it is this portion of the apparatus which is most difiicult to conceal. It is necessary that a face of this housing be as open to the sound as possible since the microphone is provided thereon, and when concealed in the clothing, the microphone opening is covered and the eflicacy of the instrument decreased.

Women have heretofore been prone to conceal their hearing aids in the bodices of their dresses which, when it was necessary to adjust the volume control of the device, gave rise to embarrassment due to fumbling of the wearer, and as well revealed the fact that the wearer was hard of hearing.

In addition to the above, where the instrument is placed in the clothing, it is necessary to disrobe to get at the instrument, and the connecting wires are difficult to conceal.

The primary object of my invention, therefore, is to eliminate all of the disadvantages heretofore experienced by women required to wear hearing aids.

A further object of my invention is to provide a construction for a womans hat which will enable a hearing aid instrument to be installed therein; in which the hearing aid instrument will be readily and quickly removable therefrom; in which the wires of the hearing aid instrument will be concealed; in which the hearing aid in- 60 strument will be placed at the most advantageous position for detecting sound; in which the microphone of the hearing aid instrument will not be closed off by any sound-deadening matehearing aid instrument will be immediately avail-' able at all times for adjustment by means of a common feminine gesture not readily recognized, as being made for the genuine purpose intended.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a hat construction in which a hidden cavity or pocket is provided for a hearing aid instrument at a point on the hat which, when considering the style thereof and the manner in which same is to be worn, will perfectly balance the weight thereof and distribute the pressure over the head of the wearer.

Still further objects of the invention lie in the provision of novel constructional details of my invention whereby the objects and advantages are achieved.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists of certain novel features of construction, arrangement and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the form, proportion, size and minor details of the structure may be made without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of my invention, I have illustrated in the accompanying drawings a preferred embodiment thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, my invention, its mode of construction-assembly and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.

Referring to the drawings in which the same characters of reference are employed to indicate corresponding or similar parts throughout the several figures of the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a ladies hat of the off the face type and having the construction of my invention with a, hearing aid instrument associated therewith.

Fig. 2 is a front on view of the hat of Fig. 1 but with the trimming removed in order to show the construction of the instrument carrying pocket.

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the hat of Fig. 2 showing the manner in which access is had to the instrument carrying pocket, the entrance thereof being shown in partially opened condition.

Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the hat of Fig. 1 showing the construction thereof.

rial; and in which the volume control of the 56 Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view taken through 3 the hat along the line 55 of Fig. 4 and in the indicated direction showing the internal construction thereof.

Fig. 6 is a partial sectional view taken of the front of the hat of Fig. l with the front portion of the instrument carrying pocket removed to show the manner in which the wires are led to the interior of the hat.

Fig. 7 is an elevational view, with portions of the same shown in section, of the truss member provided in the hat for supporting and distributing the weight of the hearing aid instrument.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a ladiess hat of the brimmed type having a full crown and constructed in accordance with my invention, but shown here completely devoid of any hat trimming.

Fig. 9 is a side elevational view of the same showing the manner of having access to the volume control of the hearing aid instrument associated with thehat.

Fig. 10 is a rear elevational view of a portion of the hat to illustrate the construction thereof.

Fig. 11 is a bottom view of the hat showing the interior construction thereof.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken through the hatalong the line l2-l2 of Fig. 11 and showing the manner in which the hearing aid instrument is installed in the carrying pocket.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a ladies hat of the beret type and constructed in accordance with my invention.

Fig. ,14 is a front on view of the hat of Fig. 13 with the entrance to the instrument carrying pocket partially open.

Fig. 15 is a front on view of the same, but with the trim removed from the hat to show the construction thereof.

Fig. 16 is a detailed view showing the manner in which the wires from a hearing aid are associated with the hat bands.

According to the basic principles of my invention, a hat is designed for style and appearance, preferably of a type harmonious with the character and features of the wearer, following which an instrument carrying pocket or cavity is constructed so that it is positioned on the wearers head where same is most nearly balanced as to weight. This may occur at the extreme front of the hat, as for example, in off the face hats; may occur at the center of the hat, as in a case wheregthe hat sets squarely upon the head; may occur at the rear of the hat in the case of a hat which is tilted over the eyes. In each case the pocket is constructed so that the hearing aid instrument will be disposed therein with'the face having the microphone grille perpendicularly arranged, said pocket being positioned, as mentioned, at the point, of perfect balance on top of the head irrespective of the style of hat. Access is gained to the pocket by means of a side entrance, not completely closed, but being partially open, or in any event capable of being readily opened a small amount in order to admit the finger of the wearer so that the volume control of the hearing aid instrument may be manipulated.

It is desired to point out thatthe gesture of a woman placing a hand upon her hat is an extremely commonplace one and hence the act of manipulation of the volume control of the instrument will not be noticed.

The instrument carrying pocket is so con,- structed that there is an opening on the face thereof coinciding in position with the microphone grille of the instrument, this opening being partially covered by hat trimming, which being usually loose and diaphanous, affects the efficiency of the hearing instrument a minimum. Means is provided for leading the wires from the instrument to the interior of the hat and to the receiver.

In order for my construction to be practicable, I have found it advisable to provide a fiat elongated truss afiixed within the hat for the purpose of supporting the pocket and hearing instrument and for distributing the weight of said instrument over the area of the wearers head in order to render same comfortable. The truss of my construction in addition to the above, preserves the shape of the hat with which same is associated.

Referring now to the figures, the reference character 20 designates generally a turban type of .hat comprising a crown 2| having the sides 22 which include an inner band 26 surrounding the bottom of the sides 22. As will be noted from Fig. 2 the folds of the hat are gathered towards the front and crossed as indicated at 25, this being merely a matter of style. A forwardly extended. fold 23 and its opposite mate 24 cross on the forward portion ofthe crown 2| of the hat. The fold 23 includes an upwardly extending portion 29 which ison the rear of the assembly 30 formed at the forward portion of the hat, and which forms the rear wall of the instrument carrying pocket to be described.

It will be noted that the assembly 30 includes a strip of material 3| which is secured to the portion 29 by means of stitching, one line of which is shown at 32 and which follows the general shape of the portion 29 around to the front, having various ornamental folds such as for example as shown at 33 and eventually being blended with the bottom of the hat at 34. There is a pocket formed between the portion of the member 3| which is designated 35 and the front of the member 29. This pocket is indicated at 36, same being formed during the construction of the hat. An ornamental flap is indicated at 31 which is also an integral part of the member 3| being an extension of the part 35.

The pocket 36 is reinforced by any appropriate means such as for example, stitching or the like, which may be concealed during the production of the hat. Same is completely closed except for the right hand side thereof as shown in Fig. 2, same being capable of providingan entrance as shown in Fig. 3 for the insertion into said pocket 36 of the hearing aid instrument 40. As indicated in Fig. 3 the portion 3| may be provided with snap fastener elements 4| while the member 29 has the cooperating snap fasteners 42 secured thereto as for example, upon a reinforcing stri 43 sewn thereto.

Referring to the hearing air instrument 40 note that same is oblong in shape and includes a micro-' phonegrille 44, a manually operable volume control 4 5 and a plug 48 having wires 4'! leading to a speaker (not shown), usually disposed within the hat and over the ear of the wearer. The,

folds of the hat provide a space 50 such as for example, between the forward edge 51 or the crown, and the member 3|, by Way of which wire 41 can be lead from the pocket 36 to the interior of the hat. It should be noted that in closing the pocket by means of the snap fasteners Al and 42, the entrance may be left slightly open as indicated inFig. 1 so that the Wearermay manipulate the volume control 45 by merely inserting her finger into the opening. a

I The front member 35 of the pocket 36 is provided with an opening 55 aligned with the microphone grille 44 of the instrument 40. This provides direct access for sound to the hearing aid instrument 40 when the hat is being worn. The edges of such opening may be ornamentally bound and in addition thereto a feather for example, as

- indicated at 56 may be fastened to the hat for concealing said opening. Obviously said feather will not materially interfere with the efiiciency of the instrument 40.

- In'order to support the instrument 40 within the pocket I provide a truss member shown in Fig. 7 and indicated generally by the reference character 51. Said truss member may be formed of any elongated fiat stiffening member capable of being bent to shape and retaining suchbent shape. In the modification shown the truss member 51 consists of a rectangular wire frame 59 formed from a wire loop, the ends of which have been twisted together as shown at 59, said frame being covered with a layer of stiffening buckram 50 and fastened securely in the hat. Over the buckram layer 60 may be placed a layer of ornamental cloth 60a in order that a lining need not be placed in the hat. As shown in Fig. 4 the truss member 51 is inserted in the hat without lining.

In Fig. 5 the rear of the hat is bent upon itself and sewn to the truss member as indicated at 6|. The truss member is bent in an arch to follow the contours of the crown 2I and is inserted in a slit 62 formed in the crown 2| at the forward end thereof. The folds 23 and 24 cover the slit at this point. From this point, the front end'53 of the truss member 51 is bent upwardly and sewn to the member 29 as indicated at 64 holding same in place. It will be seen that by this truss member not only is the position of the instrument 40 maintained, but as well the weight thereof is distributed over the entire top of the head of the wearer. In addition, the presence of the truss member 51 serves to aid in preserving the shape of the hat.

An inner band (not shown) may be sewn inside the lower edge of the hat, covering the bent up edge of the crown, and the stitching 6|. The wires-41 are alsoengaged beneath this band, as will'be pointed out hereinafter.

In this embodiment of my invention, the hat is worn well back on the head, and hence the assembly in the front of the hat will be disp'osed on the top of the wearers head. Balancing a weight on the wearers head would require that the same be positioned at approximately the top as indicated at 13 forming an inner band for the hat.

As in thecase of the embodiment described in connection with Figs. 1 to '7 inclusive, there is provided a truss member here designated generally 16, but being the equivalent of and constructed like the truss member 51. The end 11 of the truss member 16 is stitched into the fold of the band I3, and follows the contours of the innerconcave surface of the crown II to an opening 19 formed at the apex of the crown II. The truss member 16 is here bent into a loop 80 disposed without the cown II, and thence passes into another opening 8I to the interior of the hat I0, and follows the inner contours of the forward portion of the crown of the hat and is sewn to the inside of the hat at'82.

The pocket for the hearing aid instrument 40, is indicated at 83 and its formed of front wall 84, rear wall 85, and the top and bottom walls 86 and 81. Continuations of the front and rear walls provide the flaps 88 and 89 at one side having cooperating snap fasteners 90 to permit separation of the flaps and to allow the instrument to be introduced thereinto. The wall 84 has an opening 9I aligned with the grille 44. The wires 92 from the instrument come through the slit I9 and under the inner band 93 and thence to the receiver.

Obviously it is intended that the outer surface of the loop portion 80 of the truss member I6 will be concealed or covered by suitable trim, and the opening 9| will in some manner be hidden by feathers or the like. By suitable design the presence of the truss loop 00 can be made inconsequential as far as appearance is concerned. As previously explained, the truss member 16 serves to support the instrument 40, maintain its alignment, and causes the hat to keep its shape.

of the head, and hence the assembly 30 contains the provisions for carrying the instrument 40 where same will be properly balanced.

- In Figs. 8 to 12 I have illustrated another form of my invention applied to a brimmed hat. The

set of the hat as actually worn is best indicated by the view of Fig. 9. It should be noted that in this view the hearing aid instrument is disposed on its side and vertically so that the grille 44 faces forwardly. The hat illustrated is indicated generally by the reference character 10 and may be formed of any suitable material such as for example, cloth, felt or the like. I have had success in making the particular embodiment out of straw to be worn in summer.'

- There is; provided a hemispherical crown II having a trim l2 encircling same. The edge of the crown portion 1 I is-turned upand inwardly In this embodiment, the pocket 86 is formed at the position upon the hat which is designed to be adjacent the top of the wearer's head.

In Figs. 13 to 16 I have illustrated another hat constructed in accordance with my invention and characterized by the provision of a hidden pocket and a supporting truss member. The hat is of the beret type with the front thereof indented and covered with a flowered ornament. The hat shown and designated by the reference character I00 is formed of felt although any other suitablematerial may be used.

The beret consists of a top or crown portion IOI, generally circular in formation, secured to a lower portion I02 which tapers inwardly in the well known manner, terminating in the band I03. The two portions WI and I02 are joined along a seam I05. The front of the beret I00 is indented at I06 and over the indentation is secured a mem-- ber I01 along the line of stitching I08 which is shaped to form pocket I09 into which the hearing aid instrument 40 is adapted to be inserted. .The right hand end of member I0! is not permanently secured to the body of hat I00, but instead forms a flap IIO provided with snap fastener elements III, adapted to cooperate with the elements H2 secured to the hat body.

The instrument 40 is adapted to be carried in pocket I09, with the wires II3 entering the hat I00 by way of an opening I I4 in seam I 05. There is an opening provided in the member I01 shown at I I5, having its edges bound, and being aligned with the microphone grille 44.

The front of the hat is covered by trimmings, which as'shown in Fig. 13 may consist of ornamental ribbons or flowers IIB serving to conceal enemas. .5. al hough .itbcut n any waycbs structing same.

"llhe, ccnstructicnof .thisembcdimen is equivale t to. those described in that a. truss member H'l shown in, broken lines of.- .1-5 is inside the hat 1.00. ;cll w -.;its contours. preserves its shape, and supports.the instrment41L p rtion I 18 provides or th instrumentissupno t IrrFig. 1.6 I have hown. themann r whi h the. instrument wires 113. are en a ed beneath hatband 1.2.0 which holdssame m n ac It is believed. tha this-intention, it. :mc etct construction and assembly, and nany of .itsadvantag s should be rea ly underst od. from the fore in without further descripti nand it should. also be manifest thatwhile a prefer ed m dim n f t myent cnhas b en sh wnand described for illustrative numoses he stru tu detailsare neve theless capabl of Wide-Ma,..ation within the puruiew of this invent'on as defined in the appended claim Wfhat is-claimed and d sired cbeswured by Letters Patent of the Un ted fitatesis .1, In a ladies hat including a crown and ;h ay. ing a pocket, formedin the ha 1 h u n a hearing aidinstrum nt and nermi t nsusetheme of by thewearer of the ha ,v means. or sunp tt ns the instrument ccmnrisinea elative y nar o i ternal stifiening truss secured to the hat, bent in an arch, substantially followin the cc tcursof the hatmterior fromsfmnt to rear, thecrown of the. hat being provided with .a slits-said t uss b in insertedthrough theslit'and passed at leastpartially-about the pocket.

2. In a ladies hat including acrown-andthav ing a pocket formed in the. hat for h using hearing aid instrument and permitting use there.- of by the wearer of the hat. means. fcr'snnncrt n the instrument comprising a. relatively narrow internal stifienin truss secured tothe-hat, bent in an arch, substantially. followi g thecmztous of the hat interior from iront to rear, thec iowgi or the hat being provided with a. slit, said. truss being inserted through theslitian nassedatlea t partially about the pocket. said trussbeingiormed of a wire frame covered wi h relatiy l tifi .fabrm, and being ewn to the. hat n r or.

.3. .Ahat construction commtis nea e e ha in thevfront thereof indented and: covered with .a member forming a pocket thereat said pocket including a flap closureand adapted torreceiuea hearing aid .instrumentzthereinbq, means permitt th l d f wires ircm the i st ument into the hat interior, a microphone openinginthe pocket facing forwardly of the. hat, and .hattrimming substantially camouflagingrtheypooket and opening without materially. blocking off the, opening.

4. A ladies hatadapted to have ahearing airl instrument associated therewith ,comprising-a..;ha crown, a .compartment formed upon said hat crown for housing saldi strume t n ubst ia concealmentya Wall of saidcompartmenthaying an opening permitting unobstructed audio recep-. tion by said instrument and means permitting leading of wires from said instrument to theinterior of the hat.

5. A ladies hat adapted t l-have hearing aid instrument associated therewith .comprisinga :hat crown, a compartment formed upon said hat crown for housing said instrument insubstantial nc alm nt. a wail .cf-said, comna tmen havins an opening permitting.unobstructedaudio reception y said instrument a d rme nsr rm tt ns leading of wires from said ,instrl m lit to the-inenor.- of. the 5 331", said compartment .tnc udi e a normally partially closed entrance for said instmment.

it; .A. ladies ha ad pted to ha e a hea nx ai instrumen associated the ewi h r s n -sha crown. a, c m rtment. formed n sa d bu crown-for housing said instrument in substantial;

7. A ladies hat adapted to have a hearing aid,

instrument associated therewith comprisin a. hat crown. :a compartment formed upon said hat crown for housin sai instrument insubstantial concealment, a wall of said compartment, having arr-op ni permittin unobstructe audio 'recepe tion by said instrument, means permitting lead ing of wires from said instrument to th interior of therhat, and means secured to the. interior of he-h er pportin h stru n t ibutiebe w ight h reo and es ng e shape;

oi-the hat.

8. A die ha a ed to ve ahe ine a d.-

instrument associated therewith comprising. a, hat c wn a, mp r m f me up n aid t a rown :Icr h s n in t m nt insu stantial concealmen a w ll of said compartment h ing anopening permittingunobstructedaudio recepe by s nst um ean p rmit ng l d:

me of ire o said n um t to th n r or of the hat, and means. secured tothe interiorotthe. hat ;for supporting the instrument, distributing the. weight thereof and preserving the vshape of the hat o pris ng a sti el n at d trus member) bent to'the interior shape of the hat qm treat t ear and havin a p rt on h eo arranged; to at least. partially frame the (107,11:- pertine t.

...1a ;i s; t adanted t have a h arin id instrument associated therewith comprising. a hat crown a .co m partment .formed upon said hat crown for housing said instrumentin substantial concealment, a walloi said compartment having one opening permitting unobstructed audio reception by said instrument and means permitting leadin eof wiresfrorn said instrument to the interior of the hat, said compartment comprising -.a. pocket disposed upon the exterior of the hatcrown at a position where same will ,be substantially balanced at the top of the wearer's head considering the manner in which said .hat

isdesignedtohe .worn.

10, A ladies hat adapted to havea hearing aid instrument associated therewith comprising a,

hat crown, a 'cornpartmentformed uponsaid hat crown for housing'said instrument in substantial conceaiment, .a walloi said compartment h vi s.

an opening permitting unobstructedaudio reception by said instrument-and means permitting leading. of 7 wires. from said instrument to the .in-. terior of the'hat, said compartment being provided with hat trimming camouflaging same while. .not.obstructing audio reception by said instrument.

1 1. Aladiesi hat adapted to havea hearing aid instrument associated. therewith comprising a.

hat crown. acompartment formed upon said hat cas m nt-e. l of i omp r m n :h v nz.

an opening permitting unobstructed audio reception by said instrument and means permitting leading of wires from said instrument to the interior of the hat, said compartment comprising a pocket formed of the same material as said crown and including a normally partially closed entrance at the side of the compartment to permit insertion of the instrument, said opening being in the front of the compartment aligned with the receiving portion of the instrument when same is disposed in the pocket.

12. A ladies hat adapted to have a hearing aid instrument associated therewith comprising a hat crown, a compartment formed upon said hat crown for housing said instrument in substantial concealment, a Wall of said compartment having an opening permitting unobstructed audio reception by said instrument and means permitting leading of wires from said instrument to the interior of the hat, said compartment comprising a pocket formed of the same material as said means comprising a passageway in said hat crown extending from a point near the pocket to the hat interior.

ANNABELLE MAFFRIS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 675,700 Zimmermann June 4, 1901 1,161,637 Dunn Nov. 23, 1915 20 1,869,652 Baker Aug. 2, 1932 

